Have you ever gone into a store and saw a sign indicating that no guns are allowed on the premises? If you have a handgun permit you may wonder what effect this sign has on your ability to carry a concealed weapon within that store.
In Minnesota, “no gun” signs do not have the force of law, unless they are posted on state property that is mentioned in state law as being off-limits for firearms. This means that if a store management knows you have a handgun on you while in the store, you cannot be prosecuted criminally for possessing the handgun in the store. However, even though you will not be criminally prosecuted for carrying a concealed weapon (with a permit) inside a store that prohibits firearms, you can be prosecuted for trespass if you are asked to leave and refuse. Trespass is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
Keep in mind this only applies if you have a firearm permit that is valid in Minnesota. If you do not have a firearm permit, it is illegal for you to carry or possess a firearm in a public place. Such a violation for carrying or possessing a firearm in a public place without a permit is a gross misdemeanor—which means up to one year in jail.